Explanation for Recently Locked Threads

SoBizarre · Mar 1, 2001

Hi,
The way I see it, the only reason for locking up so-called "useless" threads on "Off Topic" forum is to reduce traffic. "Off topic" section of (computer) hardware related Forums is useless by definition, so moderating it (in terms of improving quality) is useless too. If your server(s) can't handle the traffic, remove "Off Topic" from Forums! "Drawing a line" (the way you do it) in something so chaotic as "Off topic" forum is not the best idea. Posting instructions for building home-made atomic bomb or providing links to child pornography sites should not be allowed, thus you need to moderate this forum. But locking up "useless" threads? No, that's not fair... As I said before: Remove "Off Topic" from your forums. It will sure help you reducing traffic.
Now, I'm sure some people would prefer to keep "Off Topic" forum (even the "castrated" one) but I'm asking you: what for? I want to believe that for majority of AnandTech's visitors, whole "Off Topic" forum was useless anyway and even if it wasn't, it should be now.

Kill the "Off Topic" forum or let it be the way it is (don't try to improve the "quality" of it)- that's what I'm saying.

Cheers,
SB

kingink · Mar 1, 2001

hmm, time for a bump to start the day. gotta keep this up.
kingink

bobtist · Mar 1, 2001

Nice bump, that accomplished a lot.

I just wanted to comment that I've noticed a 41% decrease in nef threads... And I kinda' like it.

SirFshAlot · Mar 1, 2001

bumping a mods thread.........

that made my day

Ornery · Mar 1, 2001

SoBizarre, have you even bothered to read ANY of these posts?

"...the only reason for locking up so-called "useless" threads on "Off Topic" forum is to reduce traffic."

It's to reduce kludge on the index page.

"Off topic" section of (computer) hardware related Forums is useless by definition,"

Damn, this is a computer site. Anything not related to that is "Off Topic". Are you saying anything not related to computers is useless?

"But locking up "useless" threads? No, that's not fair..."

Fair to who? People that crap all over the forum? Fvckem! :|

SoBizarre · Mar 1, 2001

<<Damn, this is a computer site. Anything not related to that is "Off Topic". Are you saying anything not related to computers is useless?>>
Is anything not related to computers (on "computer" site) useless? In my consideration- yes. But I don't mind at all that there is an "Off Topic" forum. I'm just not expecting anything from it. Can you see my point?

<<Fair to who? People that crap all over the forum? Fvckem!>>
Crap all over which forum? "Off Topic" one? It is crap itself, so how can you crap something that is crappy already? You are not talking about other forums (computer related), right? Because on computer related forums you can judge a post as not being "on topic". If I'll post about devorcing my wife on "Video" forum, that's crap. Period. If I'll make the same post on "Off Topic" forum, it might be interesting reading for some people and crap again for you. And that's the nature of "Off Topic" forums. As long as nobody is polluting with useless posts any of "technical" forums, anything that's posted on "Off Topic" forum is fine with me. Now, if all these usless posts cause traffic problems, in my opinion it's better (and fair) to remove "Off Topic" forum, rather then trying to judge which post is usefull and which is not.

Cheers,
SB

Fingers · Mar 1, 2001

I think that member staus should go away, with the exception of elite. This will stop a lot of the neffing. if that doesn't help much than maybe taking away post count so some people can't brag about how many posts they have.

Pretender · Mar 1, 2001

<< Crap all over which forum? "Off Topic" one? It is crap itself, so how can you crap something that is crappy already? You are not talking about other forums (computer related), right? >>

Not quite. Off topic means just that: off topic. Its purpose is to discuss things not directly regarding computers (i.e. whatever doesn't fit into the other forum sections). It's not meant as a dumping ground for any random thought that enters your head, it's meant as a place to discuss non-computer topics.

Tiger · Mar 1, 2001

How many "Kristina vs. Brittney", "My Honda Civic rulz" (those are pretty funny), "Come play CS on my server", "Ear hair not for the old", "Help me pick a car for under $23K", "WooHoo I just had sex for the first time", threads do we need on the first 5 pages?

Muadib · Mar 1, 2001

I would just like to add my thanks. I had no idea you guys didn't get paid.:Q

Midnight Rambler · Mar 1, 2001

"All your base" and related crap definitely needs to join "IBTL" on the banned list ...

Mday · Mar 2, 2001

mods, dunno if this has been mentioned, but please don't lock any "singular" birthday threads...

skywhr · Mar 2, 2001

Why was this thread locked?
I was just wondering, I wanted to know if anyone would eat mushrooms after seeing how they are grown. nothing drug related....I dont get it, any way thanks

I have contacted the moderator who locked the thread and will try to get an explanation for you.

AnandTech Moderator

LaBang · Mar 2, 2001

why was the recent thread about marijuana locked? no explanation was given. all it was was a poll to see what percentage of ATers had tried the drug. seems like censorship to me!

i would like a response please

Any drug-related thread which could be seen as encouraging the use of an illegal substance is locked, predominantly because of situations we have had in the past. Though I am not the moderator that locked it, you must know that drug threads are typically locked on this board, and will probably continue to be so for some time.

AnandTech Moderator

LordMaul · Mar 3, 2001

CRAP! I just saw the Mods lock a "I am Golden Thread"....I wanted to have a big party, too! :|

khaosspawn · Mar 3, 2001

You mods prolly have to put up with a lot of crap for users. I personally think you do a good job (I've been reading the threads for a while even though I've only recently become a member). The fact is that unless you have some idea of the legality involved you really don't have much right to say they're wrong.

Their house. Their rules. Don't like it .... leave.

geno · Mar 3, 2001

NFS Brought something up a while back, stating that there's a "double standard" among the mods. I'm really seeing it come true now. For example - what happened to the official CS thread? This thing has been around for weeks and all of a sudden it's deemed unnecessary because some people bitch about it. I don't get it - but whatever. I fully agree with the "you don't like it then leave" approach, but the moderation around here is starting to suffocate the mood of OT...

Genocide,

This is currently being discussed among moderators. However, I must point out that the appropriate location for Neo's CS thread is in the GAMES area, and consequently it was moved (though not by me). I agree with the decision.

The thread is now at: http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=33&threadid=338951

AnandTech Moderator

NikPreviousAcct · Mar 3, 2001

not a bad observation.

*hint hint*

perry · Mar 3, 2001

How about the beer thread? Don't want to give kids under 21 any ideas? And seeing how this is an international community, the 21 rule does not apply to all of the members of said community.

Fine, I request that any thread concerning rated R movies be locked as well, so we don't give any kids under 17 any ideas either. I mean, we gotta protect those youngins, huh? Don't want them hearing about a movie that has violence or nudity in it. Movies, like, um.. American Beauty. That certainly isn't a movie that those under 17 should watch.

I understand locking threads about drugs, but a civilized discussion amongst members concerning what beer they enjoy drinking? Come on now. Was bored mod on duty? Maybe Mamma Mod -- gotta watch out for the kiddies don't ya know? <anticipating a smart aleck reply>

NikPreviousAcct · Mar 3, 2001

/me runs for cover

geno · Mar 3, 2001

Mod, I know that. I see where you're coming from when you say that thread belongs in Games, but what kept you guys from doing this when the thread was created? It just seems coincidential that people started complaining about it, and *boom* it gets moved. By no means am I questioning you guys' decisions, but I'm definitly seeing a double standard taking effect here.

NikPreviousAcct · Mar 3, 2001

it's not possible for the server to understand where to put new threads. It's a computer: input/output.

no thinking involved.

Explanation for Recently Locked Threads

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